Rei S.

We walked in this week no reservation, got seated on the side right away. We ordered Ultra Thick Gyutan Set and the set with Japanese A5 short rib. They did not have the Ikura Roe rice today. So my gyutan was a bit cold, but was cooked just right. I have to say, for $50+ and not come with wasabi is a major sin. I know it's just a dollar to order it on the side which I did, but it's like ordering wings and they didn't even give you a side of ranch. What's weird is the Combo E we ordered came with wasabi, but the gyutan was undercooked. I'm guessing they are still soft opening-ing? Our main complaint is the table and the stools. Table was way too small for 2 combo trays, and the stool was really uncomfortable with nowhere to rest your feet. The stools around the bar all had footrest, the window seating had its own footrest, so why the inconsistency for the tables on the side? Overall experience was a slight dip in the negative. Regarding the food, she didn't like it, I thought it was just okay for me, not comparable to what we've had in Tokyo. The service was great but the seating really bothered me. I did change her seat out to another one that had footrest so at least she didn't have to suffer. But hey, all these things can be fixed so maybe next time it'll be better.

Julian R.

First off, thank you to the Executive Chef for accommodating us when we mixed up the reservations within the chubby group. Two, Esther was a great waiter after the head chef helped us out. Now to the food, something that must be experienced at some point in time in your life and something that I want to make a regular stop at. Succulent, great ways to taste the he different parts of the tongue, but he dips and flips is so fun. The only thing on this day was some construction going on to get the full ambiance but this place has the greatest potential. I will be back to get other things.

Helen D.

Came here during peak dinner time so the plaza was packed and parking was a bit of a struggle since the spots are pretty compact. Heads up if youre coming with a larger group. We came as a party of 4 and ended up having to split into two separate tables which wasnt ideal. The seating arrangement overall wasnt really set up for groups. The seats are also glued to the floor so you cant move them around and there are no hooks or baskets to hang your jacket or store your bag. It made things feel really inconvenient especially in such a cramped space. If youre sitting on the side just be careful not to accidentally bump into a waiter passing by. Food did come out fairly quickly though. My husband and I ordered combo C and E. I had to ask for water without lemon due to an allergy and that ended up taking the longest out of everything which was a little frustrating. I wasnt really a fan of combo E so the price didnt feel that worth it for what we got. I think the value might make more sense if youre a member but as a regular customer it felt a little steep. I might give it another shot to try a different combo but would probably avoid coming during peak hours.

Tiffany P.

Tongue enthusiasts, unite! This place is dedicated to wagyu gyutan and even uses the Moto cut, prized for its heavy marbling and meltingly tender texture. The idea here is that the tongue is served medium rare, and you finish it to your liking on the hot stone. Our server mentioned that Combo E was their most popular set, but they had already sold out for the day. Instead, we ordered Combo D (Ultra Thick Gyutan & Japan A5 Finger Meats Wagyu Set) and Combo F (Ultra Thick Gyutan & American Wagyu Karubi). Both were good, though I think I would've preferred Combo E for the A5 Short Rib, or mayhaps going all-in on the Ultra Thick Gyutan Set next time. The Gyutan Miso dipping sauce was the only refillable side that we kept asking more of. It's the perfect accompaniment to the rich, beefy flavor. The meal did hit an early bump. The first round of meats came out inconsistently prepared and more cooked than intended. Thankfully, the team recognized the issue and sent out replacement plates that showcased the tongue the way it was meant to be served. Ironically, the mishap turned into an interesting tasting experience because we got to try the tongue across the entire spectrum from medium rare to well done. I can confidently say that medium rare is the sweet spot: incredibly tender and juicy! The more cooked pieces required a lot more jaw work and lost some of that delicate texture that makes the Moto cut so special. A big shoutout to our server Anthony for taking excellent care of us! The kitchen had a great service recovery. The modern Japanese-inspired, open-kitchen concept felt so warm and inviting! It's a cute spot for a casual dinner or special occasion. My only hesitation is the value proposition. The portions feel a little small for the price, so I'd recommend visiting if you have a Chubby Plus membership for the slight discount and unlimited sides.

Cindy T.

Excellent wagyu and So-So service! Fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation, and every bite was amazing.

Karen T.

I was super excited to try out this place because I love beef tongue! Since they recently just opened, I think there could be room for improvements in terms of the quality of the food. Our group all got the Combo E for the short rib however we noticed we all had different platings and quality. For the short ribs, mines was cooked more medium versus the rest of my group had more medium rare- with obvious bigger pieces. Sure, it might be weighed meat so it wouldnt matter, but visually it looked portioned differently. The beef tongue on the other hand.... was VERY difficult to bite down onto. I had to use my hands to rip the meat off- while my partners piece was very tender when we traded a piece. Upon closer look, it did look like the beef was cut with the grain instead of against. I also stumbled across social media feeds, and saw that the bar seating had the grilling aspect to it. We were seating by the window so I had no idea this was an option. Kinda disappointing paying the same price for a lesser experience. Additionally they feature the curry and soup having many pieces of wagyu- but we all recalled having one or two bites. The cherry on top was when we found out that only one membership would be allowed a discount per visit. Despite 2/3 people in our group having memberships, the manager only allowed one discount- even if we offered to do split checks. We didn't really get an explanation why? But I just thought it was kinda wack to pay for a membership that doesnt even work. Nonetheless, the meats were seasoned well and the sauce was good so I did enjoy the set overall. I believe that the quality control could be better with time so I will be sure to come back and try again.

Jeannie Y.

If you're looking for a modern take on Japanese-style BBQ rather than an authentic Japanese dining experience, this place is worth trying. The interior is stylish and thoughtfully designed, creating a fun atmosphere for a casual meal. Their specialty is beef tongue, so if you're a fan, you'll probably enjoy it. However, if beef tongue isn't your thing, the menu may feel a bit limited since it's the main focus. The food was overall good, even if it didn't quite capture the flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine. Service was decent throughout our visit, although we had to wait a while to be seated because tables were taking a long time to be cleaned. Despite that, the overall vibe was enjoyable, and we left satisfied. It's a good spot for those who want to experience something a little different, especially if you're curious about Japanese-style BBQ centered around beef tongue.

David D.

This spot was straight fireee! From the moment we walked in, everything was a great experience. The food was honestly so good--the quality really stood out, and you can tell they care about what they serve. Everything came out fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. A huge shoutout to Matt and James for providing some of the best service we've had in a while. They were both super friendly, attentive, and always one step ahead. Our drinks and sides were constantly refilled without us even having to ask, and they made sure we had everything we needed throughout the meal. It's the kind of service that makes you want to come back. Another big bonus is being a Chubby Plus member. If you have a membership, there are some really great perks that make the experience even better and add a lot of value. It's definitely worth taking advantage of if you plan on coming here more than once. Overall, it's not often you find a place that delivers both amazing food and exceptional service, but this spot absolutely nailed it. Huge thanks again to Matt and James for making our visit so enjoyable. We'll definitely be back, and I highly recommend checking this place out!

Jessica C.

As someone who normally avoids beef tongue, I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed Chubby Tan's gyutan. The ultra-thick gyutan completely changed my perception of beef tongue--it was tender, juicy, and flavorful without being overly chewy or having the gamey taste I usually associate with it. We ordered the Combo D Ultra Thick Gyutan & Japan A5 Finger Meats Wagyu Set and the Combo C Ultra Thick Gyutan & Classic Gyutan Set, both of which were excellent. The premium cuts were well-marbled and delicious over the charcoal grill, which added a subtle smokiness that elevated every bite. One of my favorite additions was the pasteurized egg topping. Mixing it with the grilled meats created a rich, velvety texture and added an extra layer of umami that made the beef even more indulgent. Beyond the food, the charcoal grilling experience and cozy ambiance made the meal feel special. There's something satisfying about grilling high-quality meats yourself while enjoying the warm, inviting atmosphere. Servers also help you cut and grill the meat! If you're hesitant about beef tongue like I was, Chubby Tan might just convert you too. I'll definitely be coming back for that ultra-thick gyutan.

Yue S.

Cara is such a sweet server Did great recommendations for our first time here. As members you get unlimited side dishes that was included in the combo, the house salad is very very fresh and crispy! They do a lot of accommodations too, a nice place for a date!

Gabrielle L.

I visited Tokyo Gyutan de Lemon in Japan last year, and the staff there told me they would be opening a location in Los Angeles soon. Ever since then, I've been looking forward to revisiting what was one of the best meals I had in Tokyo. When I saw on Instagram that they were partnering with the Chubby Group to open a location in Rowland Heights, I was beyond excited. Unfortunately, the experience wasn't even close to what I had in Japan, nor was it on par with the gyutan restaurant in Costa Mesa. We went during weekday lunch. Although the restaurant is small, the turnover was pretty quick, and we were seated after about 30 minutes. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was that I couldn't smell the grilling meat, charcoal, or even the curry. Instead, there was a noticeable sewer odor that overpowered any food aromas. I ordered Combo C with both the classic-cut and thick-cut gyutan. The thick-cut pieces varied in size but were still tender. However, the classic-cut beef was quite chewy. The soup was decent, but the curry was disappointing--I could taste a burnt flavor, and the potatoes were undercooked and still very crunchy. I also think they forgot to bring our salad. The service was fine, but the meal is quite expensive unless you have a Chubby Club membership. Overall, this visit didn't live up to my expectations, especially after such an incredible experience in Tokyo. Sadly, I don't think I'll be coming back.

Katie C.

Great food and service by our server, Caleb! Ambiance is mimicking Japanese grill house, mostly bar seating. Liked the individual tableside grill to grill your meats more well done if desired. Loved the classic beef tongue, and the thick-cut tongue is also good after some more grilling. Great for couples or small groups.

Maria C.

If you're a fan of the beef tongue combo at the Japanese market food court in Costa Mesa, you might want to give Chubby Tan a try. It's a bit more affordable now that the market combo has climbed to around $35+ The beef tongue itself was thick, tender, and clearly good quality. However, I was hoping for that smoky charcoal-grilled flavor, and unfortunately it just wasn't there. Mine also wasn't served the way I expected--it was only partially cooked and it's cold quickly instead of arriving hot with a nice rare center. The meat quality was excellent, but it lacked the flame-grilled aroma that makes beef tongue so memorable. The curry was flavorful, but it overpowered the taste of the tongue rather than complementing it. The soup was also a bit too salty for my taste. One thing I found frustrating was the QR code ordering system. Even something as simple as requesting a salad refill has to be done through the QR code. Then I found out side dish refills aren't included unless you're a member, (which kinda over priced 2.99 for tinny bowl ) Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience with good service and quality ingredients. That said, for a bill of over $50 per person, I expected a bit more. I'm glad I tried it, but it's probably not somewhere I'd return to regularly.